Work for us

We want everyone at BestStart to feel that they are valued and can bring their real, authentic self to work to support our tamariki, whānau, and each other.

A bit about us

BestStart is a registered charity, owned by the Wright Family Foundation.  After meeting the resourcing and development needs of BestStart, additional funds go to the Wright Family Foundation for investment in other best starts such as Plunket, The New Zealand Spelling Bee, the Kids’ Lit Quiz, the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Stars Programme and House of Science (to name just a few). 

Just like each of us, our 260 centres across Aotearoa New Zealand are unique. They are part of their own communities with their own people, places, history and culture. We encourage our centres to build their unique identities. We want all whānau to feel confident in and connected to their BestStart centre and we work with whānau to understand what matters most to them.  

 And our values play a big part in the way we engage with each other, our tamariki and our whanau, they are part of our DNA.

Here at BestStart we're committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging, where we're connected to each other, feel safe and are valued. We celebrate together what makes us unique. BestStart is your place, my place and it’s our place.

Joining our teaching staff

United by our purpose and values, BestStart is the place to be for quality teaching and learning.  Our goal is that every child becomes a confident and competent learner, knowing who they are and what they can do. We ensure their language, culture, and identity are deeply affirmed.   

All our tamariki have equitable learning opportunities through a responsive curriculum consistent with Te Whāriki. It’s an exciting time to join us: Kia Tīmata Pai, our three year research project with Otago University is supporting the development of self-regulation and oral language for our tamariki across Aotearoa New Zealand.  

We will support your ongoing development with a Professional Growth Cycle and we foster a culture of innovation which encourages us to be creative thinkers, opening up new ways of doing things for our tamariki. We have some great modern systems and tech solutions to make your life easy so you can spend time with our tamariki, including having access to devices to catch learning stories in the moment!    

We have opportunities for PCTs and Teachers in training  

We have a great mentoring and induction programme. You will join a cohort of other PCTs and Teachers in Training and have access to the best PD in the sector. You will be supported by other qualified teachers and your leader, together with support from our internal professional practice team. You will reach heights you never thought possible!   

Joining us as a leader  

Everyone at BestStart can be leaderful. We’ll support you to grow your leadership and practice through our commitment to ongoing learning. We have a wicked leadership programme! You will know what great looks like and have access to wonderful resources and frameworks to shape our culture with great leadership conversations. 

Relievers  

We have opportunities for relievers too – it might suit you to have flexibility to pick the shifts that work for you, rather than joining us on a permanent basis.  

Want to know more? Go to the contact the team page and provide your information and we'll get in touch!